Advice for returning to the road

So let me get this straight, you haven't drove commercially for 11 years, and don't even have a CDL anymore, and want to jump back in at above average pay, and a newer "automatic" truck, am I understanding you so far? Unless you have a permit of some sort that you failed to mention, who ever gave "a couple of road tests" broke several laws, and probably should have their insurance pulled, for letting an unlicensed driver operate a CMV. Even if you had kept your CDL current you have no VERIFIABLE EXPERIENCE, and in the insurance companies eyes(and they control everything in this industry) if your VERIFIABLE EXPERIENCE, didn't take place in the last 12-18 months, it never happened, and they won't care how much of a "natural" you are, and you will start completely over, CDL School, trainer, the whole nine yards. I know a seven year vet that broke his leg badly(in a non-work related accident), and after 6 months of physical therapy, the doctors finally released him to work with no restrictions, just to find out that the insurance company that insured the truck he was driving had a mandatory "CDL refresher course" for "NO VERIFIABLE CMV" experience in the last 30 days, complete with tests and everything. Not every company is that bad yet but I'm sure it's coming.

 

If you didn't maintain your CDL and Medical Card, it reverted back to a Class C license, which means you have to go through everything all over again. Unfortunately you should have maintained it, because you never know what happens in life. Good luck.

 

You might try Gordon trucking. They hired me and I had very little exp. about 6 months but I had only been out of truck for a year. They recently got bought out by heartland but still seem to be a good company so far.

 

dont do it!!!!!!!!........

 

maverick has Automatics.

 

I used to work for Transwood Inc. They fit what I wanted since I had family obligations and wanted to be home more often. Ended up retiring with them cause their benefits were pretty good. Probably cause they're not the bigger company

 

Hate to hear about the bad experience with Gainey. Not surprised, just sad to hear it. LOL. Super Service bought out everything Gainey and Coggins, ditched the refer division (I think they kept like 3 for a special account outta Ellenwood - they collect dust more than anything else) and started upgrading equipment, still upgrading. New trucks roll in every month; old ones roll off to Mexico. They got a bunch w/ automatics (test batch to see if they are what they claim). Totally re-tooled how they did everything from A-Z. The only thing that resembles Gainey anymore are the old Gainey trailers (in much better shape than when Gainey had them), some old Gainey trucks still rolling w/ SS markings now but that's because the driver wants it (extra 3 CPM), and they are kept up. Mostly they sit on the "preparing for sale to go to Mexico" lots. Grand Rapids still kicking strong only everything is "the SS way or no way" now.

I've had the best experience with them of any trucking company I ever worked for these last 16 years and as long as this is the way things are I'll stay for good. Still get some of the crazy things happen, but no more than with any company I worked for - less IMHO. Less than I experienced with any of the big ones. They do gap drivers too. Two weeks out to knock the rust off. They have been pretty much exactly what you described as wanting. Had some issues w/ my DM and loads but that's because he is retiring next month, not because of SS. LOL. Past couple of weeks I've been hijacked by the Do It Best Dedicated outta the Lexington, SC terminal filling gaps and doing relays for them so I been humping hardware but that's because I don't mind. I get their good miles but MY pay rate (higher than the dedicated guys). Can't beat that.

Just for what it's worth, seeing as how you want to go back to MI.